brown's budget proposal includes an additional $250 million for the uc system. the amount is less than the uc requested, but probably enough to avoid an increase. >>> meanwhile, the brentwood school district may expand a program that puts ipads in elementary schools. officials are looking at expanding the program out to all the district's fourth graders. fourth grade was selected because of larger class sizes and the ability for students to learn independently. officials will hold a meeting january 23rd at edna middle school to determine interest level. >>> mcdonald's is trying something new with its happy meals in england. the fast food chain is pledging to distribute 15 million books instead of toys over the next two years. the program is called the happy readers initiative. the books are nonfiction and explore things like space and marine life. no word if the concept plans to spread to the u.s. >>> starting on march 1st, the government will stop mailing social security checks. all money is going to be transferred electronically. the treasury department says t